Life Together

Sermon 5: Life Together

Series: Sent & Rooted: Living the Gospel Together Primary Text: Acts 2:42–47

Introduction

People today live in one of the most well connected—and yet loneliest—times in history.

People attend church, watch sermons, listen to podcasts, and still feel spiritually isolated. But the early church grew strong not because they had better content—but because they shared life together.

Acts 2 gives us a picture, not of a perfect church, but of a healthy one.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Big Idea

God forms mature disciples through intentional, gospel-centered community. Discipleship is never meant to be lived alone.

I. Devotion Shapes Community.

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Key Observations

Devotion is intentional and ongoing. The early church committed themselves to four core practices:

Teaching – Truth formed them - Scripture

Fellowship – Relationships sustained them - Gospel community

Breaking of bread – Shared life and worship

Prayer – Dependence on God

This was not casual connection—it was covenantal commitment.

Key Truth

Community is not accidental; it is cultivated.

Cross References

Hebrews 10:24–25 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Stirring one another toward love and good works

We do this by…

Colossians 3:16 “16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Let the word dwell richly among you

1 John 1:7 “7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Fellowship flows from walking in the light

correction, accountability, discipleship!!

Illustration

Spiritual growth without community is like trying to grow a fire with one log—it burns out quickly.

II. Gospel Community Produces Awe.

Acts 2:43 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Key Insight

Awe is not manufactured—it emerges when God is at work among His people.

God’s presence was evident:

In transformed lives

In sacrificial love

In visible power

what has changed today? Do you believe this God still exists? Do you believe this kind of church is still possible?

Cross References

Psalm 133:1 “1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

True

How good and pleasant it is when they dwell together even in spite of some disunity

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 “24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.”

God’s presence revealed among believers

John 13:34–35 “34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””

Love as the mark of disciples

Illustration

When the church lives like family, the world notices something holy is happening.

III. Shared Life Reflects Shared Values.

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

This is not forced communism—it is voluntary compassion and care.

Key Truth

The gospel reshapes how we view possessions, time, and priorities… (time, talent, treasure)

Their generosity was:

Joyful, not coerced

Responsive, not reactive

Personal, not institutional

Cross References

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 “6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Cheerful generosity… not just financially…

James 2:15–16 “15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

Faith expressed through personal care

Matthew 25:40 “40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Illustration

Community reveals what we truly value—because we invest in what we love.

IV. Rhythms of Togetherness Fuel Joy.

Acts 2:46 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

The early church lived in two rhythms:

Large gatherings (temple courts)

Small gatherings (homes)

Both were and are essential !!

Key Insight

Joy grows where faith is practiced consistently and relationally.

Cross References

Romans 12:4–5 “4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 “9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Strength in togetherness

1 Peter 4:9–10 “9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

Using gifts to serve one another

Illustration

Church is not an event you attend—it is a people you belong to.

V. Healthy Community Leads to Gospel Growth.

Acts 2:47 ESV

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Crucial Observation

Growth is God’s work—but He uses healthy community as the environment.

Evangelism happens naturally when:

Believers love each other well

Needs are met visibly

Joy is evident publicly

Perfume = attractant

Cross References

Matthew 5:16 “16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Acts 5:14 “14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,”

Illustration

People are often drawn to the gospel through the community before they understand the message.

VI. What This Means for Us

Personal Application

Are you connected—or merely attending?

Who truly knows your spiritual life?

Where are you practicing shared faith, prayer, and generosity?

Are you inviting outsiders in?

Corporate Application

Are we prioritizing relational discipleship?

Are groups and ministries forming people—or just filling calendars?

Do outsiders see a community worth joining?

Are we reaching out with invitations?

Series Tie-In

This sermon continues the progression:

Week 1: God seeks the lost

Week 2: God sends the found

Week 3: Jesus calls us to follow

Week 4: Disciples must grow deep roots

Week 5: Disciples grow together

Week 6: Disciples are equipped for ministry

Evangelism thrives where discipleship is lived together.

Closing Invitation

God never intended for you to grow alone.

Faith deepens in community. Joy multiplies in shared life. Witness emerges from visible love.

The question is not whether you need community— but whether you are willing to commit to it.

Group Questions